Review of Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) by Suneel J — 15 Jan 2012
A highly original tale that perfectly blends old Asian culture into the modern-day crime scene. It is interesting to see the run-down city that the film takes place in having no defined name. Forest Whitaker is quite brilliant in one of his earliest roles, before becoming well-known.
It is neat to see a hit man with morals, for once. The soundtrack is one of the best that I've ever heard for its particular film. This can be credited to RZA, who makes a cameo himself. Also, RZA has a well-documented love for Asian culture, being a notable member of the widely popular hip-hop group, the Wu-Tang Clan.
The philosophical passages that are presented to the audience are fairly deep and intellectual. One of the film's greatest strengths is the deeper meaning behind everything that is going on, making it more than just a crime film.
It also blends that with rather hilarious and almost mocking depictions of the Italian mafia. The scenes with Ghost Dog and his friend, the ice cream vendor, are heartwarming and sentimental, due to their strange method of communication.
Audiences should love how two best friends can't even really understand each other, with no common language among them. The methodical approach of Ghost Dog's lifestyle is almost surreal and gives us a better understanding of how happiness can be found in the simplest of pleasures.
The film may seem low-budget and tacky, but it has an unspoken charm and a wondrous style that makes it an underground classic.
This review of Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) was written by Suneel J on 15 Jan 2012.
Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai has generally received very positive reviews.
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